EcoSpirituality Group

What is the EcoSpirituality Group?
Founded in 2001, the EcoSpirituality Group (ESG) is a spirituality group offering mutual support as we grow in understanding of Incarnation and the SHCJ mission in light of new scientific findings about creation and the problems threatening the world God lives and acts within.

What does “eco” mean?
Eco comes from the Greek oikos — “home.” In this case, it means earth and all of creation. Ecospirituality refers to finding God in all creation. (Other terms include creation spirituality and creation theology.)

“For this is our mission: to help others believe that God lives and acts in them and in our world, and to rejoice in the divine presence.” (SHCJ Constitutions)

Impelled by this mission, we SHCJ join for mutual support to nurture our reverence for the human family and the integrity of creation. We seek a deep contemplative attitude of heart drawing us to respond to a planet in crisis by:

deepening and expanding our understanding of the Incarnation in light of the Universe Story;

shifting our consciousness from stewardship of earth to kinship with God’s creation;

growing in awareness of creation’s interconnectedness;

understanding that care for creation embraces all peace and justice issues;

taking action to care for earth’s most vulnerable members; and

living simply and sustainably

Who belongs?
Any Sister of the Holy Child Jesus, Associate, or other person is welcome. While individuals from all countries are invited to participate, ESG’s Actions Alerts focus on the United States. To join, contact Terri MacKenzie, SHCJ: terrishcj@aol.com.

Member responsibilities & benefits:

Members strive to live the ESG Mission* and implement yearly plans.

Full members reply to e-mails when answers are requested, make annual decisions concerning the group, and if possible, attend meetings every two to three years (cf. 2013 report).

All members receive e-mail communications: action alerts; items of inspiration; and general information.

Why did it start?
Some SHCJ wanted to join with other seekers to learn more about, and act on, new understandings of the sacredness and interconnectedness of creation and how new scientific discoveries were enhancing our religious beliefs.